Psychology, B.A. (University College)

Program Code: PYAUC_BA

Program Description

The Psychology major will combine the knowledge, skills, and values of psychology with a liberal arts foundation. Students should:

  • develop a knowledge base consisting of concepts, theory, empirical findings, and trends within psychology;
  • understand and apply basic research methods in psychology;
  • use critical thinking and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes;
  • apply psychological principles to personal and social issues;
  • and be able to understand the gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, and class issues in psychological theory, research, and practice.

Students should also develop information and computer competence, communication skills, and develop realistic ideas about how to implement their psychology education in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings. The major may lead to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The B.A. degree incorporates a broad exposure to the many facets of the field of psychology, in addition to the B.A. requirements. The B.S. degree provides the same exposure to the field of psychology and adds options in Science and Business to prepare students for more specific career directions. Students in both degree programs may also prepare for graduate school; research experience with faculty members is encouraged for such students.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of thought, behavior, and experience. Many people associate psychology with psychological therapy and the practice of clinical psychology. There are also many other important areas of scientific psychology, such as cognitive, developmental, industrial/organizational, and social psychology. What these subfields of psychology have in common is the use of the scientific method to understand human behavior and apply that understanding to the development of theory and practice. Psychologists are increasingly making use of neuroscience methods and theories to understand psychological phenomena. As a profession, psychology is related to fields such as health, education, marketing, human resources, social work, and more. The principles of psychology are relevant to almost all areas of human endeavor, and the career paths of psychology students reflect this wealth of possibilities.

You Might Like This Program If...

You are interested in people and in learning to use science to better understand them. As a major, you'll have opportunities to do research with faculty and to work in career-relevant settings.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a minimum of 124 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 14-18
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements 24
Requirements for the Major 41

0-4 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes 0-4 credits of General Education GQ courses.

3 of the 24 credits for Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if foreign language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PSYCH 100Introductory Psychology Keystone/General Education Course3
PSYCH 301WBasic Research Methods in Psychology4
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PSYCH 200Elementary Statistics in Psychology Keystone/General Education Course4
or STAT 200 Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Select 18 credits of the following, with a minimum of 3 credits from each of the following six categories: 118
Learning and Cognition
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Psychology of Learning Keystone/General Education Course
Animal Minds
Language and Thought
Language Acquisition
Learning and Memory
Advanced Cognitive Psychology
Psychology of Language
Visual Cognition
PSYCH 459
Advanced Conditioning and Learning
Social and Personality Psychology
Introduction to Social Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to the Psychology of Gender Keystone/General Education Course
Cross-Cultural Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Personality Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Psychology and a Sustainable World
Advanced Social Psychology
Self and Social Judgment
Social Psychology of Interpersonal/Intergroup Relationships
Applied Social Psychology
Multicultural Psychology in America
Personality Theory
The Psychology of Gender
Biological Bases of Behavior
Introduction to Psychology of Perception Keystone/General Education Course
Neurological Bases of Human Behavior
Evolutionary Psychology
Health Psychology
Comparative Psychology
Physiological Psychology
Behavior Genetics
Psychology of Fear and Stress
Clinical Neuropsychology
Developmental Psychology
Introduction to Developmental Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Child Development
Adolescence
Cognitive Development
Social and Personality Development
Topics in Developmental Psychology
Development Throughout Adulthood
Psychological Intervention in Childhood
Applied and Clinical Psychology
Introduction to Well-being and Positive Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to the Psychology of Human Factors Engineering Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Psychology of the Differently-Abled
Principles of Measurement
Program Evaluation
Treatment and Education in Developmental Disabilities
Engineering Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Psychology of Adjustment and Social Relationships
Behavior Modification
Child Psychopathology
Mental Health Practicum with Children
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Selection and Assessment in Organizations
Work Attitudes and Motivation
Leadership in Work Settings
Capstone Experience
History and Systems of Psychology
Senior Seminar in Psychology
Senior Thesis
Research Projects
Internship
Independent Studies
Select 12 credits of additional Psychology courses from any offered for a total of 30 credits of Psychology courses beyond PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 301W 112
1

At least 15 of these 30 Additional Courses credits must be at the 400-level.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

B.A. Degree Requirements

Foreign Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. See the Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)

Other Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the General Education US/IL requirement.​

Program Learning Objectives

Beaver and Scranton Campuses

  • Foundational Knowledge: Students will demonstrate knowledge of major psychological concepts, theories, and empirical findings.
  • Application: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply psychological concepts and theories to research and real-life situations.
  • Critical and Creative Thinking: Students will use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
  • Scientific Literature: Students will demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of information in the scientific literature to distinguish the scientific literature from other sources.
  • Communication: Students will communicate effectively (in writing and/or orally) the results of a project or internship.
  • Research Writing: Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively extract central points and summarize psychological research literature and to write in the format of psychological research.
  • Research Methods: Students will differentiate among the research methods used in psychology and apply the designs in evaluation or development of a research study.
  • Analysis: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative psychological data using statistics, graphs, and data tables.
  • Culture Diversity: Students will show evidence of knowledge and appreciation for cultural diversity and relativity in human experience and for the complexity of human behavior and interactions.
  • Ethics: Students will demonstrate knowledge, and the application of, basic principles of scientific and professional ethics.
  • Professionalism: Students will demonstrate sensitivity to ethical concerns and professionalism (including cultural considerations)in settings where applications of psychology and/or psychological research occur.
  • Professional Options: Students will demonstrate knowledge of professional options and required training for careers in the major subfields of psychology.
  • Career Options: Students will demonstrate the ability to identify personally-relevant career options to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

Brandywine Campus

  • Communication:
    • Students will demonstrate effective writing for different purposes.
    • Students will exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes.
    • Students will interact effectively with others.
  • Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World:
    • Students will apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
    • Students will build and enhance interpersonal relationships.
    • Students will adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels.
  • Knowledge Base:
    • Students will describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
    • Students will develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains.
    • Students will describe applications of psychology.
  • Professional Development:
    • Students will apply psychological content and skills to career goals.
    • Students will exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation.
    • Students will refine project-management skills.
    • Students will enhance teamwork capacity.
    • Students will develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.
  • Research Skills:
    • Students will differentiate among the research methods used in psychology and apply the designs in evaluation or development of a research study.
    • Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative psychological data using statistics, graphs, and data tables.
  • Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
    • Students will use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
    • Students will demonstrate psychology information literacy.
    • Students will engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving.
    • Students will interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research.
    • Students will incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.

Fayette Campus

  • Human Behavior: Students will connect specific human behaviors to the many broad areas of psychology.
  • Professional: Students will relate applications of psychology to specific professions associate with psychology.
  • Research: Students will describe and apply the steps of the scientific method.
  • Theory: Students will summarize the scientific principles of psychology, including its history and major theoretical principles.

Greater Allegheny and Hazleton Campuses

  • Career-Related Skills:
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge of professional options and required training for careers in the major subfields of psychology
    • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify personally-relevant career options to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.
  • Communication Skills:
    • Students will communicate effectively (in writing and/or orally) the results of a project or internship.
    • Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively extract central points and summarize psychological research literature and to write in the format of psychological research.
  • Content Knowledge:
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge of major psychological concepts, theories, and empirical findings.
    • Students will demonstrate the ability to apply psychological concepts and theories to research and real life situations.
  • Diversity and Ethical Considerations:
    • Students will show evidence of knowledge and appreciation for cultural diversity and relativity in human experience and for the complexity of human behavior and interactions.
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge, and the application of, basic principles of scientific and professional ethics.
    • Students will demonstrate sensitivity to ethical concerns and professionalism (including cultural considerations)in settings where applications of psychology and/or psychological research occur.
  • Research Skills:
    • Students will differentiate among the research methods used in psychology and apply the designs in evaluation or development of a research study.
    • Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative psychological data using statistics, graphs, and data tables.
  • Thinking Skills:
    • Students will use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
    • Students will demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of information in the scientific literature to distinguish the scientific literature from other sources.

Lehigh Valley Campus

  • Communication: Communicate effectively in writing using APA style correctly.
  • Critical Thinking: All students will demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of information in the scientific literature and to distinguish the scientific literature from other sources.
  • Cultural Diversity: All students will show evidence of knowledge and appreciation for cultural diversity and relativity in human experience and for the complexity of human behavior and interactions.
  • Data Analysis: All students will demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret quantitative psychological data using statistics, graphs, and data tables in Psych 301W.
  • Knowledge: All students will demonstrate knowledge of major psychological concepts, theories, and empirical findings.

Mont Alto Campus

  • Empathy Skills: Psychology majors will demonstrate a sense of empathy, the ability to understand someone else’s experience.
  • Interpersonal Relationships: Psychology majors will build and enhance interpersonal relationships and adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels by understanding that other sides of an argument.
  • Preparation for Working with Diverse Experiences: Students will be prepared to work with individuals and families with different experiences from their own.
  • Preparation for Working with Underrepresented Groups: Student will demonstrate a sense of preparation for working with underrepresented groups.

New Kensington Campus

  • Career-Related Skills: Preparing students for careers upon graduation.
  • Critical Thinking: Use critical thinking to solve problems & distinguish scientific from non-scientific.
  • Data Analysis and Problem Solving: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Effective Communication: Demonstrate competence in comprehending, reading, writing, and orally communicating research.
  • Ethical Awareness: Demonstrate knowledge and the application of professional ethics.
  • Experience Other Cultures: Students immerse themselves into another culture by attending an event (e,g., religious service) outside their own ethnic/religious/sexual orientation/SES group.
  • Knowledge/Application: Demonstrate knowledge and application of major concepts and theories.
  • Research Competence: Differentiate among the research methods.

Schuylkill Campus

  • Ability to prepare presentations in APA style:
    • Ability to prepare papers that review past research on behavioral topics
    • Ability to prepare research reports in APA style
    • Ability to prepare conference presentations
  • Understanding ethics and application in psychology:
    • Understanding of ethical guidelines for research and applied psychologists
    • Ability to apply psychological theories in community organizations
  • Understanding of basic behavioral research methods:
    • Understanding basic research methods for psychology and their limitations
    • Ability to design basic research projects to study predictors of behavior
    • Understanding basic statistics to analyze behavioral data
    • Ability to search Library databases for research on behavioral topics
  • Understanding of the variety of behavior problems and treatment options:
    • Understanding of DSM diagnostic terminology for behavior problems
    • Understanding of variety of treatment approaches for behavior problems
  • Understanding of the variety of theories to explain human behavior:
    • Understanding of variety of psychological theories to explain behavior
    • Understanding of the impact of diversity on human behavior

York Campus

  • Critical Thinking: Use critical thinking to solve problems & distinguish scientific from non-scientific.
  • Data Analysis and Problem Solving: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Effective Communication: Demonstrate competence in comprehending, reading, writing, and orally communicating research.
  • Ethical Awareness: Demonstrate knowledge and the application of professional ethics.
  • Knowledge/Application: Demonstrate knowledge and application of major concepts and theories.
  • Research Competence: Differentiate among the research methods.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Beaver

Kevin Bennett
Assistant Teaching Professor of Psychology
100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3904
klb48@psu.edu

Brandywine

Joshua Marquit
Assistant Teaching Professor Psychology
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1409
jdm53@psu.edu

Fayette

Elaine Barry
Associate Professor
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4284
esb12@psu.edu

Greater Allegheny

Advising Office
Academic Affairs

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

Hazleton

Lisa Goguen
Associate Professor of Psychology
Memorial 103
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3023
lms42@psu.edu

Lehigh Valley

Kevin Kelley
Psychology Program Coordinator
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5062
kjk13@psu.edu

Mont Alto

Robin Yaure
Associate HDFS Professor and Program Coordinator of HDFS & Psychology
112 Weistling Hall
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6210
r2y@psu.edu

New Kensington

Richard Harnish
Associate Professor
3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6735
rjh27@psu.edu

Schuylkill

Cory Scherer
Interim Assistant Director of Academic Affairs/Psychology Program Coordinator
A201C 200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6066
crs15@psu.edu

Scranton

Renae McNair
Assistant Teaching Professor
Dawson 203
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2715
trw115@psu.edu

York

Mark A. Casteel
Professor of Psychology
210 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
York, PA 17403
717-771-4028
mac13@psu.edu

Altoona

Brad Pinter
Associate Professor of Psychology, Department Chair
Smith Building C128A
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5507
tbp1@psu.edu

Berks

Erin Johnson, Ph.D.
Program Chair, Associate Teaching Professor
137 Franco Building
Reading PA 19610
610-396-6143
BKPsychology@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Psychology, B.A. at Beaver Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100*3PSYCH 200 Level *3
ENGL 15 or 30H3General Education Course3
World Language level 14General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5World Language Level 24
 14.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200 or STAT 2004PSYCH 301W*4
PSYCH 200 Level*3CAS 1003
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
World Language Level 34General Education Course3
 15.5 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200 Level or PSYCH 400 Level*3PSYCH 200 Level or PSYCH 400 Level*3
ENGL 202A3PSYCH 400 Level*3
General Education Course3BA Required Course3
General Education Course3 
 12 9
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 400 Level*3PSYCH 400 Level Capstone*3
PSYCH 400 Level*3PSYCH 400 Level Capstone*3
BA Required Course3Elective3
BA Required Course3Elective3
Elective3 
 15 12
Total Credits 110
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Psychology, B.A. at Brandywine Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100*3PSYCH Course 200-level*3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C0-3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
World Language Level 14-6World Language Level 24-6
 16-18 13-18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200*‡14ENGL 202A3
PSYCH Course 200-level*3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
World Language Level 3 or General Education Course3-4General Education Course3
 16-17 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 301W*4PSYCH Course 200/400-level*3
PSYCH Course 200/400-level*3PSYCH Course 400-level*3
PSYCH Course 200/400-level*3BA Fields Course3
BA Fields Course3BA Other Cultures Course3
General Education Course3Elective3
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH Capstone Course 400-level*3PSYCH Course 400-level*3
PSYCH Course 400-level*3PSYCH Course 400-level*3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 121-129
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

1

PSYCH 200 recommended but STAT 200 will fulfill this requirement if PSYCH 200 is not available.

Psychology, B.A. at Fayette Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100*3CAS 100A3
ENGL 15 or 30H3PSYCH 200-Level- Category Selection*3
PSU 81General Education Course3
General Education Course3World Language Level 24
General Education Course3Quantification (GQ)3
World Language Level 14 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200-Level- Category Selection *3PSYCH 301W4
STAT 2004PSYCH 200-Level or 400-Level- Category Selection3
General Education Course 3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
World Language Level 34BA Fields Selection 3
 17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200-Level or 400-Level- Category Selection3PSYCH 200-Level- Category Selection3
ENGL 202A3PSYCH 400-Level- Category Selection*3
BA Fields Selection3BA Fields Selection 3
General Education Course3BA Other Cultures Selection3
General Education Course3Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 400-Level- Capstone selection*3PSYCH 400-Level Course 3
PSYCH 400-Level Course3PSYCH 400-Level Course3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective 3
 15 15
Total Credits 126
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Psychology, B.A. at Greater Allegheny Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C3
PSYCH 100*†3PSYCH 200-level Course*3
World Language level 14World Language level 24
PSU 81General Education Course (GQ)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200-level Course*3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
World Language level 34PSYCH 200 or 400-level Course*3
STAT 200*‡†4BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 17 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200 or 400-level Course*3PSYCH 301W*4
BA Fields CoursePSYCH 200-level Course*3
General Education Course3PSYCH 400-level Course*3
General Education Course3BA Other Cultures Course3
General Education Course3Elective3
 12 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 400-level Course*3PSYCH 400-level Capstone Course*3
PSYCH 400-level Course*3PSYCH 400-level Course*3
BA Fields Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Psychology, B.A. at Hazleton Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100*3PSYCH 200 level course2 *3
ENGL 15 or 30H3World Language level 214
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
World Language level 114CAS 100A or 100B3
PSU 81 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 2004PSYCH 200 level course2*3
PSYCH 200 level course2 *3ENGL 202A or 202C3
General Education3BA Requirement: Knowledge Domain3
World Language level 314General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 17 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200 or 400 level course2 *3PSYCH 301W*44
PSYCH 200 or 400 level course2 *3PSYCH 400 level course2 *3
General Education Course3BA Requirement: Knowledge Domain3
General Education Course3BA Requirement: Other Cultures3
BA Requirement: Knowledge Domain3Elective3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 400 level course2,3 *3PSYCH 400 level course2,3 *3
PSYCH 400 level course2,3 *3PSYCH 400 level course2,3 *3
General Education Course3Elective 3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 126
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

1

Students must demonstrate or complete the third level of proficiency in one world language.  Scheduling of world language course work follows the World Language Placement Policy.

2

Students must take 30 credits in PSYCH. Among these, students must take at least 15 credits at the 400-level and at least 3 credits in each of six categories: Learning and Cognition; Social and Personality Psychology; Biological Bases of Behavior; Developmental Psychology; Applied and Clinical Psychology; Capstone Experience.
Consult the Psychology Program Coordinator for specific course options.

3

During the fourth year, students must choose one capstone course from 5 options: PSYCH 490 Senior Seminar in Psychology, PSYCH 493 Senior Thesis, PSYCH 494 Research Projects, PSYCH 495 Internship, or PSYCH 496 Independent Studies.Students must consult the Psychology Program Coordinator about prerequisites and requirements for these courses before registering. PSYCH 495 Internship requires planning one semester in advance of starting the internship.

4

PSYCH 301W satisfies the Writing Across the Curriculum requirement

Psychology, B.A. at Lehigh Valley Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H3PSYCH Additional Required Category Course*13
MATH 21 (or General Education Course GQ)3General Education Course (US or IL)3
PSYCH 100*3General Education Course3
PSU 8 (or General Education Course)3General Education Course3
World Language level 134World Language level 234
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A3ENGL 202A or 202B3
PSYCH Additional Required Category Course *13PSYCH 200 or STAT 200*‡4
PSYCH Additional Required Category Course*13PSYCH Additional Required Category Course*13
World Language level 334General Education Course (US or IL)3
General Education (GHW)1.5Elective3
 14.5 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 301W*4PSYCH 495A*1
PSYCH Additional Required Category Course*13General Education Course3
General Education Course3Bachelor of Arts Requirement: Knowledge Domain23
General Education Course3Elective or General Education Course3
Bachelor of Arts Requirement: Knowledge Domain23Elective 3
 16 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 495B*13PSYCH 490*13
PSYCH Additional Required Category Course*13PSYCH Elective*3
Bachelor of Arts Requirement: Other Cultures23PSYCH Additional Required Category Course*13
General Education Course3Bachelor of Arts Requirement: Knowledge Domain23
Elective3Elective3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 16.5 15
Total Credits 122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

1

Students must take 30 credits in PSYCH beyond PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 301W.  Among these, students must take at least 15 credits at the 400-level and at least 3 credits in each of six categories: Learning and Cognition; Social and Personality Psychology; Biological Bases of Behavior; Developmental Psychology; Applied and Clinical Psychology; Capstone Experience.  Consult the Psychology Program Coordinator for specific course options.

2

For BA fields courses, see department list or consult adviser. BA students must take 9 credits in "BA fields" courses (Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences [except psychology], Arts, Foreign Languages [ 2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first], Natural Sciences, Quantification).  See your adviser

3

Students must demonstrate or complete the third level of proficiency in one foreign language. 

Psychology, B.A. at Mont Alto Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100 (GS)*3PSYCH 200-level Course* 13
ENGL 15 or 30H3CAS 1003
World Language Level 134World Language Level 244
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
PSU 81 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200-level course*3PSYCH 200- or 400-level Course* 13
STAT 200 (GQ)* ‡ †4ENGL 202A3
World Language Level 344BA Fields Course23
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 17 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 301W*4PSYCH 200- or 400-level Course* 13
PSYCH 200- or 400-level Course* 13General Education Course3
PSYCH 200- or 400-level Course* 13BA Fields Course23
BA Fields Course23BA Other Cultures Course43
General Education Course3Elective3
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 400-level Course* 13PSYCH 400-level Capstone* 53
PSYCH 400-level Course* 13PSYCH 400-level Course * 13
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 126
1

Students must take 30 credits in PSYCH beyond PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 301W.  Among these, students must take at least 15 credits at the 400-level and at least 3 credits in each of six categories: Learning and Cognition; Social and Personality Psychology; Biological Bases of Behavior; Developmental Psychology; Applied and Clinical Psychology; Capstone Experience.  Consult the Psychology Program Coordinator for specific course options.

2

For BA fields courses, see department list or consult adviser. BA students must take 9 credits in "BA fields" courses (Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences [except psychology], Arts, World Languages [ 2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first], Natural Sciences, Quantification).  See your adviser

3

Students must demonstrate or complete the third level of proficiency in one world language. 

4

BA students must take 3 credits in other cultures courses.  See your adviser

5

During the fourth year, students must choose one capstone course from 5 options: PSYCH 490 Senior Seminar, PSYCH 493 Senior Thesis, PSYCH 494 Research Project, PSYCH 495 Psychology Practicum (internship), or PSYCH 496 Independent Studies Students must consult the Psychology Program Coordinator about prerequisites and requirements for these courses before registering.  PSYCH 495 Psychology Practicum requires planning one semester in advance of starting the internship.

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Psychology, B.A. at New Kensington Campus with Behavioral Health and Counseling Psychology Certificate

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100*3PSYCH 105*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3PSYCH 238 or 243*3
World Language 14MATH 213
General Education Course3CAS 1003
General Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5World Language 24
 14.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 200* †4PSYCH 301W*4
General Education Course3BA Requirement 3
PSYCH 238 or 243*3General Education Course3
World Language 34General Education Course3
General Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
 15.5 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 202A3PSYCH 200 or 400 - Level*3
PSYCH 270*3PSYCH 400 - Level*3
PSYCH 200 or 400 - Level*3BA Requirement3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3 
 18 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 470*3PSYCH 481*3
PSYCH 400 - Level *3PSYCH 495*3
BA Requirement3BA Requirement3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 125
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Psychology, B.A. at Schuylkill Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100*3PSYCH 200 level course*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3World Language Level 0024
Quantification (GQ)3CAS 1003
General Education Course (GA, GH, GS)3General Education Course3
PSU 008 First Year Seminar 2General Education Course3
World Language Level 0014 
 18 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200 level course*3PSYCH 301W*4
World Language Level 0034ENGL 202 (A, B, C, D): Effective Writing (GWS)3
STAT 200 or PSYCH 200* † ‡4Bachelor of Arts Requirement Knowledge Domain3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
Health and Wellness Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
 15.5 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200 or 400 level course*3PSYCH 400 level course*3
PSYCH 200 or 400 level course*3PSYCH 200 or 400 level course*3
Bachelor of Arts Requirement Knowledge Domain3Bachelor of Arts Requirement Knowledge Domain3
General Eduation Course3Bachelor of Arts Requirement Other Cultures3
General Education Course3Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 400 level capstone course*3PSYCH 400 level*3
PSYCH 400 level course*3PSYCH 400 level *3
General Education Course3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Health and Wellness course (GHW)1.5
 15 13.5
Total Credits 124
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Integrative Studies (either Inter-domain or Linked Courses)

Integrative Studies may be completed within the 30 Knowledge Domain credits and must be completed with either Inter-domain or Linked courses, not a combination of both.  For Inter-domain courses, credit may apply to both Knowledge Domain designations but does not reduce the total number of credits within the Knowledge Domains and at least 3 credits of single-domain coursework are required in each of the 5 Knowledge Domains.  Linked courses used for the Integrative Studies requirement must represent two different Knowledge Domains.

Psychology, B.A. at Scranton Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H3PSYCH 200-Level Course*3
PSYCH 100* 3CAS 1003
World Language I4World Language II4
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3Quantification (GQ)3
PSU 81 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200*†4PSYCH 301W*4
PSYCH 200-Level Course*3PSYCH 200-Level Course or PYSCH 400 Level Course*3
World Languages III4BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)3General Education Course3
 17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 200-Level or PSYCH 400-Level Course*3PSYCH 400-Level Course*3
PSYCH 200-Level or PSYCH 400-Level Course*3ENGL 202A3
BA Fields Course3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3BA Other Fields Course3
General Education Course3Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 400-Level Course*3PSYCH 400-Level Capstone*3
PSYCH 400-Level Course*3PSYCH 400-Level Course*3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 126
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Program Notes:

The 12th credit level is required for the World Language. The amount of foreign language you completed in high school, results of advanced placement exams, and the results of optional proficiency exams determine what level of language you will take. See you academic adviser for details.

Psychology, B.A. at York Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH 100*3PSYCH (200 Level course)*23
World Language course (Level 1)14World Language course (Level 2)14
ENGL 15 or 30H3Elective3
General Education course (GHW)1.5General Education course3
General Education course3CAS 1003
 14.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH (200 Level course)*23PSYCH 301W*4
PSYCH 200 or STAT 200 (PSYCH 200 Strongly Recommended)*4ENGL 202A3
World Language course (Level 3) or Elective14BA requirement course33
General Education course (GHW)1.5General Education course9
General Education course3 
 15.5 19
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH (200 or 400 level)*23PSYCH (200 or 400 level)*23
PSYCH (200 or 400 level)*23PSYCH (200 or 400 level)*23
Elective3BA requirement course33
General Education course6Elective3
 General Education course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PSYCH (400 level capstone course)*2,53-6PSYCH (400 level course)*2,53
PSYCH (400 level if capstone is 3 cr)*3PSYCH (400 level course)*2,53
BA other cultures course43BA requirement course33
Elective3Elective6
General Education course3 
 15-18 15
Total Credits 125-128
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

1

 Students must demonstrate or complete the third level of proficiency in one world language.  Scheduling of world language course work follows the World Language Policy: http://www.psu.edu/dus/handbook/lang.html#policy

2

 Students must take 30 credits in PSYCH beyond PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 301W.  Among these, students must take at least 15 credits at the 400-level and at least 3 credits in each of six catagories:  Learning and Cognition; Social and Personality Psychology; Biological Bases of Behavior; Developmental Psychology; Applied and Clinical Psychology; Clapstone Experience.  Consult the Psychology Program Coordinator for specific course options.

3

 BA students must take 9 credits in "BA requirement courses (Humanities, Social and Behavior Sciences [except psychology], Arts, World Languages, [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first], Natural Sciences, Quantification).  See your adviser.

4

 BA students must take 3 credits in other cultures courses.  See your adviser.

5

 During the fourth year, students must choose one capstone course from 5 options:  PSYCH 490 Senior Seminar, PSYCH 493 Senior Thesis, PSYCH 494 Research project, PSYCH 495 Psychology Practicum (internship), or PSYCH 496 Independent Studies Students must consult the Psychology Program Coordinator about prerequisites and requirements for these courses before registering.  PSYCH 495 Psychology Practicum requires planning one semester in advance of starting the internship.

Career Paths

Graduates of our program enter the workforce or pursue additional education in a variety of programs, including both Master’s and Ph.D. programs in experimental, counseling, school, and clinical psychology.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Contact

Beaver

100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3904
klb48@psu.edu

https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/majors/psychology

Brandywine

25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1409
jdm53@psu.edu

https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/psychology

Fayette

2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4284
esb12@psu.edu

https://fayette.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/psychology

Greater Allegheny

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/degree-programs/psychology

Hazleton

Memorial 103
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3023
lms42@psu.edu

https://hazleton.psu.edu/psychology-degrees

Lehigh Valley

2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5062
kjk13@psu.edu

https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/academics/degrees/psychology

Mont Alto

112 Wiestling Hall
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6210
r2y@psu.edu

https://montalto.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/psychology-degree

New Kensington

3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6735
rjh27@psu.edu

https://newkensington.psu.edu/academics/4-year-psychology/ba-degree-information

Schuylkill

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
A201C 200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6066
crs15@psu.edu

https://schuylkill.psu.edu/academics/bacc-degrees/psychology

Scranton

113 Dawson Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2715
trw115@psu.edu

https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/psychology-degree

York

210 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
York, PA 17403
717-771-4028
mac13@psu.edu

https://www.york.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/psychology

Altoona

DIVISION OF EDUCATION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Elm Building 103
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
818-949-5756
alg177@psu.edu

https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/psychology

Berks

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Franco Building
Reading PA 19610
610-396-6143
BKPsychology@psu.edu

https://berks.psu.edu/academics/babs-psychology